Keeping Hope Aloft

Keeping Hope Aloft

By: Silbern

Hope, I find, is an inexhaustible fuel source but often untapped. As if terror, doubt, suffering or other demeaning measures against you derail the very train you called Purpose. Purpose in ones life is something that feels like a well oiled machine that can prevail through intimidating environments. Had I the drive and purpose ion my life, I may have never had actually joined the Army after high school. I would have gone to college or possible have taken a trade somewhere. Either eventual occupation gives one a purpose if he loves what he creates. For my purpose in life, it is Elongath.

Ever since Elongath was hatched from his hardened shell, his eyes knew me inside and out. Before I could even mutter a word he picked me from a crowd of aspiring Aviators. For once in my life I felt true purpose. Within me, I felt the train tracks finally aline where all the hope I held for the future finally connected with my train. Fuelled, I hit life with everything I had. Head held up high, chest out proud, posture never slacking.

I found Purpose.

I found Life.

I found true Drive.

When I gazed at the leader of these Ponies I found a very odd torment of hurt, suffering but also courage to press on. It was hard to actually notice at first, I admit, but it is there deep within her mental fortress. Much like when I found Elongath introduced into my life, I can see the same kind of Drive within her. What type of Hope fuels her is still a mystery for I am still quite new to this environment and the rather vivid characters are still quite...

Unnatural.

Twilight collapsed after yet another failed spell which caused her horn to spurt a few sparks of condensed energy. Panting for air she wavered more then a few times to get back to her hooves. Her gaze rose to meet that of the giant slumbering dragon that easily consumed most of the courtyard space. The young protege, ever dedicated to her magic, narrowed her eyes before lighting her horn once more with full intent on sending these visitors back to their own planet. Unfortunately for every ones viewing pleasure was the same few spurts of crackling magic energy.

Elongath watched with mild amusement as he huffed a smokey breath skywards. The very gesture getting the attention of the crew that sat beside his unmounted Rig. Many were doing mundane tasks like cleaning weapons or double checking equipment for wear and tares. Lieutenant Chevalier watched over the crew with minimum interest for her true attention was placed on the man who sat beside the large white horse. For an hour they conversed in silence except for a laugh escaping their shaded refuge.

“Ma'am?” a rough voice spoke out that caused the French officer to turn. “A moment?”

Chevalier instantly recognized the face of Sergeant Nakagawa, Chief of the Ground Crew. The Japanese flag proudly displayed upon his shoulder showed but Chevalier's attention was on middle aged man's face as he seemed to be unfocused. Already a sneaky suspicion was dawning on her as she nodded to his request.

“Thank you, Ma'am,” Nakagawa nodded his head back in appreciation. “The boys have been talking and we were wondering where we are exactly?” his question came like a traveller simply asking strangers at random.

Chevalier hummed for a moment before looking over the Chief's shoulder to see most of the crew looking at them in silence only to quickly go back to whatever task that should have them occupied. Chevalier, far from surprised, gave another hum before feeling a nudge against her sides. Nakagawa felt it too as they both gazed at one large slitted eye gazing back at them.

“I'm starting to get hungry, Maria,” Elongath muttered quietly as he could but his voice was easily heard across the garden. Chevalier watched as a single pony that had a gardener's hat on her head simply ran away as fast as her legs could carry her.

“I'll ask the Captain, Elongath,” Chevalier allowed a smile as she gave the large snout a quick pat. “Sergeant, I will see if we cannot get some answers, yes?” her voice became gruff once more but the man gained a reassuring smile immediately as he nodded his head in respect before turning sharply to address the rest of the crew. She watched him return and noticed the few smiles he seemed to get from the crew. Steeling herself however, she approached the two figures talking underneath a cherry blossom tree where Captain Lucas Fayn, Celestia and now an exhausted Twilight Sparkle.

“Ah, Lieutenant!” Lucas Fayn called out a moment before standing himself, gas mask still donned. “I have some good news and bad news!” he informed the French officer who gaze him an inquisitive gaze. Motioning towards an empty chair they all sat down once more as Chevalier watched in amazement as a tea cup was levitated before her.

“Please drink, Lieutenant,” Celestia spoke with a calm voice and even calmer gaze. “You are friends within my Castle. I'm not even sure that I'd still be alive if it were not for your rather timely appearance in Equestrian air space!”

“Which brings up the question of returning home,” Chevalier spoke rather quickly without trying any of the tea placed before her. A silence came over the table as a gas mask turned to gaze at her then to the tea cup before her. A small groan came over the French officer as she brought the tea cup up to her lips to take in the sweet, honeyed concoction. “By all that is holy, what is this?”

Celestia pleasantly hummed in delight at see yet another guest enjoy her favourite choice of tea. “It is mix of a flower that grows on the mountainside called, Sun Kissed; it mixes splendidly with Honey,” Celestia explained as she caught another delighted expression coming from the female sitting across from her. “To your earlier question however, Lieutenant Chevalier, I'm afraid there is a complication. You see, travelling any distance past our solar system requires either a large amount of magic that equates over fifty Unicorns worth or a Tagging Spell,

“Both options to you are very limited as not many Unicorns even study such an advanced teleportation spell. Even if we could gather so many of said Unicorns, it would take time to not only find your planet but summon a secure portal back,” Celestia paused for another delightful sip of her honeyed tea. “With all that being said; there's hope. A Tagging spell. It is specially made to find a single living thing no matter where they are. I tapped into that very spell to gather you all here,”

“Wait, wait,” Fayn spoke with a small waving motion for the Princess to notice. “If this spell is to lock on to one living target, how did we all get pulled along for the adventure?” Fayn asked as he waved his hand in the direction of his crewmen.

“Simple. The spell was targeting Elongath's bloodline. This would explain a big enough portal to accept all of you considering that you were practically strapped to him,” Celestia explained with a smile. “We can get you home, Captain, Lieutenant, do not worry. I must apologize on how quickly that action will be executed though,”

Chevalier turned her gaze to the Captain as she simply listened to the man's breathing through his gas mask. It was often hard to read such a man's emotions on a topic but she started to see little ticks over the years. For instance, she noticed the man tapping his finger on his exposed uniformed knee. It was the signal for deep thought and concentration. Taking the reigns, Chevalier lowered her own tea cup. “Thank you, Princess, for your hospitality,”

Celestia covered her mouth with a hoof as she let loose a small giggle. “Please, please,” She paused to regain her composure. “You can simply call me Celestia. You are friends and heroes in my books, even if your methods were quite efficient,” Celestia finished as she obviously remembered the falling corpses of Changelings.

“Yes, well, that is the nature of our duty to our Corps; we are Men and Women of war,” Fayn finally spoke as he stood up to his full height. “If we are to be staying in this land for a prolonged time, we will need supplies. Elongath can eat his fair share of meat,” Fayn was about to continue until a gasp was heard from the recuperated Twilight Sparkle.

“Does he not eat carrots, gems or other vegetables and fruit?” her question almost struck both Officers to be very odd. The two ponies didn't seemed to be astonished at seeing a Dragon but eating meat surprised them?

“No,” Chevalier simply responded before Fayn could subject the innocent question to further interrogation.

“Please don't mind Twilight. Her assistant is a baby Dragon who is quite the little vegetarian. He also eats gems but they do tend to fatten him up slightly,” Celestia explained once more as she gave her frazzled protege another look over. “You have to understand that eating meat in Equestria is almost never heard of except for when we have Gryphon visitors,”

Fayn rose his hand gingerly so as to attract attention to himself. “Is there any location where we can secure some food? Both Elongath and the crew would do well to have such provision in our stock,”

“I have an old friend that knows a thing or two about the Tagging spell. Last letter I had from him was almost a month ago from the Gryphon border. He travels often enough that it can be hard to really pin point the Stallion, especially the company he surrounds himself with,” Celestia offered as her horn lite up and after a small crackle of energy, a large scroll appeared. As it slowly levitated to the table, it also unrolled to see the rather far expanse of Equestrian landscape. “To the North west here, you have the border with Gryphons. That is where I last heard from him,” Celestia explained as her hoof tapped the mountainous region lightly.

“That settles it then,” Fayn spoke as he tapped the Gryphon border for emphasis. “Lieutenant, I want full battle Rig ready for flight quickly,”

“A word, Captain, if you please,” Celestia motioned which gathered the two Earth born officers attention. “I have a fragile treaty with the Gryphons that needs the utmost caution. They are militaristic creatures that endorse slavery, an appalling ideal, but I do not have the power to remove from their stubborn way of life. I must ask you to bring some Ponies so I can entrust my Country's relations are not in jeopardy?” The brilliantly white Alicorn asked without raising her voice.

Fayne only gave his crossed arms a few taps before nodding his head. “I will gladly take an escort but may I meet the Pony who is to be accompanying my mission?”

“You already have meet one of them,” Celestia gave a warm smile as she motioned to a startled Twilight Sparkle.

“Me?” Twilight gasped as she shifted her eyes back and forth from Elongath to Celestia. “Princess, my Brother is to be married in a few hours, surely there is another suited for this?” Twilight's tone and expression easily conveyed the idea of avoidance. It even grew worse every time she had to look at the two Humans before her dressed in long coats and tinted masks. “Perhaps one of your own Ambassadors?” Twilight fruitlessly suggested once more.

“Consider this another lesson for you, my Student,” Celestia's smile seem to raise a sort of fire within the smaller Mare.

Twilight's back straightened as her gaze narrowed with a sudden serious edge. “A lesson?” Twilight faltered for only a moment as she let a long gulp out as she gazed once more at Elongath who snorted out black smoke. “What about my Brother and Cadence?”

“I never said that you had to leave this instant, Twilight. Surely the Captain here would love to stay and celebrate the joyous occasion?” Celestia offered the invitation which made Fayn slightly twitch as eyes suddenly were placed upon him.

“Sir?” Chevalier spoke up as she waited at attention for orders.

Fayn however was beside himself with deep thought. A good moment of silence cam over the small group as they waited for Fayn to respond. “I would like to wish the newly wedded couple all the best wishes but I need to tend to Elongath. He still needs to eat and I fear he may mistake a citizen for food,”

“Captain!” a loud shout of alarm called from towards the crew easily made Fayn adjust his gaze.

“Speak of the Devil. Apologies, Princess Celestia,” Fayn spoke along with a curt bow before swiftly making his way towards his crew. Not even halfway to the crew he could see Elongath's ruff spines raise in anger. What really  made him cautious, however, was the Pony who was now huddled upon the ground with a rifle eagerly pointing at it. “Hold your fire!” Fayn spoke clearly as every head except for the lone rifleman turned to acknowledge their Aviators order.

“What is the meaning of this?” Fayn spoke as he came closer to see the rifleman as Private Parkin; the only Australian for Elongath's crew.

“I seen 'em getting too close to one of the Machine gun parts, Captain,” Parkin easily spoke through his gas mask as he didn't let his gaze wonder away from the shaking creature. “Was probably trying to take some of it away for their King or something!”

“Lower the gun, Parkin,” Fayn ordered but he didn't apply any sort of threatening demeanour as he knew that the young Sharpshooter was correct in acting towards the defence of their equipment. Everyone gave a breath of relief as the barrel was lowered slowly until the safety was clicked on. Fayn's gaze was upon the cowering pale yellow Pony before them as he easily noticed her hooves over her face. Her rather long flowing pink tail and mane easily covering much of her body. “Explain yourself, Pony,” Fayn spoke with authority until a blue blur easily meet him in shockingly quick speed.

“Who do you think you are, ya big dope!” the blue Pegasus shouted in furious anger. It took Fayn a moment to see the messy, rainbow coloured mane that bounced with every little bob of her head. “Don't pick on Fluttershy just because your bigger!”

“Lucas!” Elongath called out in a furious shout as the Dragon rose with a terrifying maw ready to strike. Every single human besides the oblivious Surgeon and Fayn levelled their weapons towards the single blue Pony. “I'll swallow you whole if you put one hoof on Lucas,” Elongath bellowed in all of his intimidating glory.

Fayn was about to order another attempt of easing the hostility until a purple aura encased the enraged Pony. The Rainbow mare struggled by flailing wildly but nothing worked as she was levitated along with the huddled mess of pink to Twilight's side.

“What are you girls doing?” Twilight shouted with sudden worry as she gave only one look at Elongath's open maw before shouting again. “They are our guest! Our guest with a massive Dragon,” Twilight harshly applied her meaning by turning Rainbow so she could get a glimpse at Elongath's snort of black smoke.

“We were only playing a small prank but they turned it into a big deal, sheesh, Twi,” the Rainbow mare said as she crossed her fore hooves and blew part of her mane away in irritation.

Twilight could only groan at her friend before turning to the huddled form of Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, are you ok?” Twilight asked with a much softer voice as the timid Pony before her was almost polar opposites from Rainbow Dash.

Slowly Fluttershy began to peek out from the safety of her hooves. In that split second of realizing she was away from danger she embraced twilight's neck in a vice grip hug. “I'm so sorry, Twilight! Rainbow Dash said that these Humans were super friendly and animal lovers like me!” Fluttershy squealed in her explanation. “They had a weird bag that I found interesting and, and, and,” Fluttershy almost began to tear up again before Twilight groaned again.

“Really, Rainbow?” Twilight spoke with irritation. “You dared Fluttershy to deal with a foreign military force?”

“I didn't know those jerks couldn't simply ask Fluttershy to leave them alone!” Rainbow Dash explained as she felt the magic aura dissipate from around her body. She was about to open her mouth again before she heard it from behind her.

“What did you say, ya TWAT!” Private Parkin spoke up again as he rose a fist at Rainbow Dash in response of her explanation.

Fayn turned to immediately remedy his crewman's mistake but a familiar blue blur went to meet Parkin instead.

“You think yourself a tough guy, huh!” Rainbow Dash glared at the fair skinned Aussie with renewed vigour. The two were practically head butting but neither gave an inch to the other.

“Damn straight I do!” Parkin bellowed back with growing anger himself. “Maybe ya should mind your own damn business and go play dress up,”

Twilight and Fayn collectively let out a groan as Rainbow Dash's glare intensified.

“Dress up? Dress up!” Rainbow roared in anger. “I bet I could beat you in any competition!”

“Oh for the love of God!” Fayn spoke out in irritation as he pointed a finger towards Parkin. “Do not speak another word, Private! I will have you on double wash duties by yourself if you speak another word!” Fayn order spoke clear and with as much military force that was almost beat into him.

Parkin was just about to say another word until he bit his tongue and tightened his free fist as tightly as he could. He simply took a step back which made Rainbow Dash grin wildly, much to the dismay of his souring mood.

Rainbow Dash herself was about to speak until a rope tied around her waist and suddenly yanked her from the air.

“Woah there, Sugar Cube. No need to rattle the cage, now,” A wingless and hornless Pony spoke with a heavy southern accent, a surprise to Fayn.

“Yeah!” Another ecstatic shout called out as a rather bright pink Pony begun to use Elongath's tail as a slide only moments before the Dragon noticed and swiped his tail away in haste only to destroy a nearby Gardener's shed. “Whoopsy!”

“Darling, please be more careful!” Another Pony appeared from a nearby archway. This one had an actual styled mane of lavish purple curls.

“Not exactly how I wanted to introduce you to your escort, Captain Fayn, but never the less,” Celestia began as she beckoned all the Mares to her side. “These are the Elements of Harmony. Each of them are responsible Mares,”

Parkin snorted once which caught Rainbow Dash's glare.

“As I was saying,” Celestia coughed once to regain silence. “They will see you to your destination as well as any questions you may have of our Equestrian way of life. Please do try to get along!”

Everyone immediately gave each other long gazes until Fayn approached the mares with long strides. “I am Captain Lucas Fayn of the 23rd Dragoneer Corp. I welcome you aboard Elongath but for all intended purposes, we need time to make new harnesses for your,” Fayn paused for a moment as he gazed over their bodies. “Physique,”

Rainbow Dash laughed at the very idea “A harness? Pah-lease! I'm a natural born flier!”

“You will also need gas masks,”

Rainbow Dash scrunched up her nose at the strange masks before tilting her head.

“Elongath's smoke will corrode your lungs if you breath it in directly. I highly recommend one,” Fayn spoke with a slight irritation at the blue Pegasus himself.

At his explanation all the Mare's optimistic expression suddenly turned to caution as the Dragon gave a hearty chuckle that caused small trails of smoke to leave his nostril.

Celestia let out a small giggle at the antics before here. “I can find something for their protection but there is a celebration to be had! Princess Cadence and Shining Armour are to be wedded tonight, surely you will join us, Captain?” Celestia eagerly offered.

Lucas Fayn couldn't help but feel immensely out of place as he stood next to a very curious Elongath. Every crew member had switched out their sweaty uniforms as they stood amongst the gathering crowd to celebrate the newly formed marriage. Even on Earth it was very rare to see a Dragon anywhere near such an event. Here in Equestria it was evident that both Human and Dragon seemed to be the cause of many patrons to give the group much berth. The gas masks probably didn't help matters but it was so ingrained within them that it almost seemed second nature to have them on.

“Captain Fayn?” a new voice spoke out to the point that it almost startled Lucas.

Fayn adjusted his vision quickly to see another Pony before him but this Stallion wore something he could immediately recognize. Military dress uniform. Nodding his head politely, Fayn stuck out his hand in a friendly manner towards the greying Stallion before him. The guy had a crisp jet black suit on with traditional polished buttons and medals but the sharp blue eyes were his most defining trait. “Greetings. I'm Captain Lucas Fayn, 23rd Dragooner Corp.,”

“Good to meet you, Lad!” he spoke honestly while shaking the Human's hand with little to no hesitation; a big grin on his face. “I hope the few rogue sheep that we secured was enough to feed your friend here?”

Elongath, more then eager to jump into a conversation, lowered his head to gaze at the Military figure before him. “It was, thank you. I am Elongath and this is my crew before you,” he spoke with a very deep voice that easily caught much of the surrounding attendees attention. “I usually like my meals to have more meat on the bone but I shan't complain, Mister,”

The Tan coated pony almost jumped at the realization. “Oh! How rude of me not to introduce myself? I am Colonel Sight Seeker of the Royal Equestrian Army, Nocturnal Brigade,” the Pony gave what Fayn could only assume was a salute.

“That is silly,” Elongath spoke which caused Fayn to turn with surprise. “What? Why would anyone want a Nocturnal Brigade? Not very flexible if you ask me,” Elongath spoke as he eyed both members of the conversation.

“Lord, help me,” Fayn said as he gave the side of Elongath's muzzle a small rub. “Pray tell me you won't try to get everyone mad at us?”

Sight Seeker could only let out a long laugh as he waved his hoof in good humour. “Don't mind him, Captain. It is a long traditional title that was passed down from Princess Luna back before the civil war. We carry with us as a reminder of our past more then anything specific these days,”

Fayn straightened up at the Colonel's easy going attitude but still kept his hand on Elongath's large muzzle. “I apologize none the less, Colonel. Elongath can be very open minded when it comes to certain topics,” Fayn tried to apologize only to feel Elongath give out a mighty snort of derision.

“I mock when I feel it opportune timing. I have the intelligence to do it there fore I shall,” Elongath remarked as he begun to dig up some of the fresh grass with one claw. “Are the two wedded couple also mating within the large halls?”

“Oh lord, Elongath,” Fayn pleaded only to be interrupted again by a laugh from his side.

“I'm sorry to drive you to such boredom, Elongath,” Celestia spoke as Fayn noticed the Colonel bow low to her presence. Following suit he gave the Alicorn a simple bow the best that he could, something Celestia apparently found amusing. “Please, Colonel, Captain, rise. I'm glad you had some company to keep you from the rather displeasing scene of absence. I suppose a Dragon is terrifying to the average Equestrian citizen, tis a shame,”

“Agreed. Many from Earth also like to avoid Dragons because they fear us, I would like to think. Perhaps they still think we eat Humans?” Elongath spoke more jovial at the prospect of more attention.

“That is nothing but an old wives tale, old friend,” Fayn spoke up much to the mighty dragon's displeasure.

“That is good to hear!” Celestia easily claimed as she gave out a softening chuckle. “I spoke with the girls more and they all seem more then happy to travel with you but I even had one special visitor for you, Elongath,” the Princess expressed as she stepped aside to let a small creature awkwardly step forth.

“Hello,” the small being spoke as he held his purple and green tail within his claws.

“I'll be damned,” Fayn spoke as both Elongath and himself leaned forward to get a better look. “You're a baby Dragon, no?”

“I have yet to see a breed of his colour and look at the way he stands on his back two legs,” Elongath spoke as the much larger Dragon turned his head now and again in his observation. “He has yet to even grow wings! Are you sure he's not some over grown lizard of some type?” Elongath supposed which made Fayn shrug his shoulders.

“Go on, Spike, introduce yourself,” Celestia badded with a smile.

The creature who seemed to grow smaller after each insinuation gave himself a moment to swallow any regret and stuck out a claw almost to the point that it smacked Fayn in the face. “Good to meet you! My name's Spike! I'm a baby Dragon!” the poor creature seem more then eager to spit it all out in a surprisingly strong voice from such a small body.

Fayn turned his head to look at Elongath as both were speechless for a moment. They turned their vision back to Spike as he halfway opened his eyes to see both foreign creatures staring at him although the Human's face was covered by his “magical” breathing apparatus.

“Are you sure?” Elongath finally spoke to break the awkward silence.

Spike stood there for a moment in shocked confusion at the question.

“Perhaps your egg was misplaced or wrongly labelled,” Elongath spoke with sudden disinterest. “Dragons are born with wings, little one,”

Spike couldn't believe it. His face puffed with slight anger as he clenched his claws to fight his temper. “I am so too a Dragon! Just because I don't have wings yet but that doesn't mean I am not a Dragon!”

“Do not raise your voice at me, Hatchling,” Elongath spoke with his own temper getting a hold of his better judgement as the Dragon's ruff upon his back extended.

“Calm, dear,” Fayn spoke out giving Elongath a small pat.

Celestia rolled her eyes. Knowing more then a few Dragons herself made it easy to better predict their own train of thought. Leaning down she spoke a few quiet words into Spike's ear that made the little purple creature grin with delight.

“I can breath fire!” Spike boasted boldly moments before drawing a large breath, a signal to any who knew Dragons that they were about to loosen an attack. Spike, with chest all extended, let out a small spout of bright green flame which barely made both Aviator or Dragon move.

“Bloody hell,” Fayn spoke easily enough as he knelt down beside Spike so he could look him in the eyes.

Spike was caught off guard for a moment as a tinted glass that almost seemed soulless just observed him closely. Silent moments passed but Spike soon grew more accustomed to the foreign man looking him over. “Is something wrong with me?” Spike questioned Fayn as he gazed himself over with sudden worry.

“Don't be silly, Spike,” Twilight spoke out as she came up to the group donned in her bridesmaid dress. “You groom yourself daily and I know your diet inside and out. If there was something wrong with you, wouldn't we have noticed it?” she asked with a knowing glance before she knelt before her teacher and ruler.

“Wrong with you?” Fayn spoke almost with a hint of laughter at realizing how he may be acting. “Far from it, Spike. You seem fairly healthy for a Hatchling but what surprises me is your Species. Where are your Sire and Dam?” Fayn asked inquisitively looking both to Spike then Celestia. The question however seemed to bring fool tiding. Twilight's happy expression sank and Celestia seemed no better off as Fayn turned to see that Spike himself started to nervously play with his claws.

Elongath nudged Spike to gather his attention to his senior. “I never knew my Sire or Dam, Spike, but let it not dissuade you from living a full life. I had Lucas straight from hatching and he has never left my side since,” Elongath spoke with such a soft voice that Celestia and Twilight seemed honestly surprised. “You have friends and this Twilight Sparkle; trust in your Captain,”

“Captain?” Twilight spoke out with slight confusion.

Fayn rose his hand after rubbing the top of Spikes head gently. “In the Dragoneer Corps, every Aviator assigned to a Dragon is admission to the rank of Captain in our respective Military nationality. So every rider that has been harnesed to their respective Dragon is often refereed to the Dragon's Captain,”

“So I'm Spike's Captain?” Twilight summarized quickly and with Fayn's nod she let out a thoughtful hum. “It almost makes it seem like you are in control of your Dragon like an Officer ordering your troops. Spike and I do not have that kind of relationship. He's a responsible Dragon for his age and I'm very proud of him for it,” Twilight's words easily made the small green creature break out in a sudden blush.

Fayn was about to protest until he felt the sudden weight against his side.

“I am not a pawn to be moved across the board at a Human's whim. I choose to serve so I can make sure Lucas doesn't get himself shot serving aboard some other weaker Dragon. The same goes with the rest of my crew; they are mine,” Elongath spoke out with protest that only made his Captain smile deeply behind his mask.

“Yes, yes, I love you too, ya big lummox,” Fayn chuckled as he gave Elongath's muzzle a few scratches of affection. “Well at least you know your specific Dragon species, Spike,” Fayn spoke but yet again they noticed another awkward shuffling amongst the ponies.

“Well. . .” Twilight began before she could hear the sigh escaping from the Human.

“He's an Acier Destroyer. Breed in France although I've seen a few in British harness due to some trading,” Fayn explained but found surprised eyes staring back at him. “I couldn't tell until he let out his green fire, a true spectacle to behold. In french, Acier means steel which aptly melts like butter to such a breath. They are effective anti-vehicle creatures that melt main battle tanks with ease but they are not the greatest with manoeuvrability once they get aloft,”

Twilight was absorbing as much information as she could get but when she gazed down to see Spike slack jawed with surprise. How he was taking it was something she wish she could foresee but all she could do was what any friend should. She slowly sat on her haunches beside the now quivering Dragon and drew him into a soft hug. “It's ok, Spike,” Twilight whispered as she felt the familiar clawed digits return the hug eagerly.

“I'm a tool of destruction, Twilight!” Spike's cries were muffled with his face deeply embraced in Twilight's welcoming hold. “It's just like the time I almost destroyed all of Ponyville again!”

“Of course you are a dangerous being,” Elongath's voice interrupted the two with mocking ease.

Twilight gazed up with sudden anger at the invading creature above them. “We are not used to war like your Humans are, Elongath. Spike doesn't want such a life to corrupt him,” Twilight's voice easily showed her distress.

“You are silly to do so in such attempts,” Elongath noted as if a scholarship professor looking over grade school addition. This attracted both Spike and Twilight's attention as they waited foir him to go on. “Your breath is hot enough to melt over three hundred milometers deep of steel, Spike. Sheltering your scales behind someone is hardly the way to harness your breath. Learn yourself and you'll have nothing to fear about in such regards of wanton destruction,”

Twilight was about to speak before she felt the taller form of her Teacher close in.

“Spike has shown time and again that he has more then enough control over his natural abilities, Elongath. I would like you to show him some consideration before judging him again,” Celestia spoke with authority that was admirable for many.

“I simply note things in my observation, especially his stunted growth,” Elongath pointed out with exasperation.

Fayn groaned as he could definitely tell the conversation was anything but pleasant or kind hearted.

“He is not stunted in the slightest!” Twilight protested in quick succession to her pulling in the baby Dragon closer. “He is growing just fine, thank you very much!”

“How old are you, Spike? I cannot even smell the egg on you anymore yet you are the size of one of my tooth's,” Elongath asked as he crossed his forelegs to secure a more comfortable position.

“I'm seven,” Spike spoke out lowly as his tone easily reflected much of his own confidence level.

A large, rolling laughter echoed through the Castle courtyard as Elongath began to roll on his side in much humour. A few of his crew, including Mickey who spilt most of his drink on himself, had to dodge left or right to miss the tail. The large Dragon's spirit of comedic origin could not be doused except to let the creature have his moment.

Fayn could only give his head a shake and clap his hands together to bow towards both Celestia and Twilight for forgiveness.

Rolling back onto his stomach once more with ease he gazed down to the smaller Dragon who only seemed able to stand because of Twilight's support. “You are seven yet you have no wings and are smaller then a human of equal age? Spike, you have been robbed of your natural process by inexperience fops who think  prancing about in merry making! Eat some meat and let yourself grow out before you embarrass yourself further, Hatchling,”

“Elongath!” Fayn shouted before any other being there could even attempt at it. “That will be quite enough! You do not insult another being after we have had such a graceful acceptance in a unknown geography! It is like you do not desire to return home at all!” Fayn's anger, highly suppressed till that moment, was released with the mask only muffling it to a small degree.

Elongath was quiet as he simply gave an awkward nod in acceptance before lowering his head closer to the rest of the crew. A tell tale sign of sulking if the crew ever saw one.

“I apologize for half of Elongath's behaviour, Spike, Twilight, Princess,” Fayn spoke out after he gave out a long breath and squared his shoulders once more.

“For half of his behaviour?” Celestia spoke, not exactly accepting the apology but not refuting it either. Celestia's question however made all eyes return to their tinted visitor with troubled curiosity.

“Elongath's accusations are for all intensive purposes, correct. Dragon's are meat eaters and natural survivors in all kinds of conditions. Spike's biological growth is probably in such disarray that it is in much dismay,” Fayn spoke with appreciation of not being disturbed. “How you choose to live, Spike, is up to you like always has been. Elongath simply sees you as a suffering Dragon that is a little off course,”

“Off course? More like careening into the ditch and set ablaze,” Elongath interrupted only to get a quick hush from Lieutenant Chevalier.

“See, Spike, we do not wish to set you in such a dire mental smacking but it is simply something we must note from our experience,” Fayn knelt once more closer to Spike much to Twilight's dismay. “I apologize,”

Spike let his gaze linger for a moment before pushing Twilight away slowly. The little guy gave himself a shaky, deep breath before gazing up to face his accuser. “I am a great Dragon! I will be better then that party pooper one day, just watch!”

Fayn could only nod his head with much relief as he stuck out his hand. “I look forward to that day, Spike,”

Spike grasped onto the large hand with gusto and gave it a good shake. “I'm going with Twilight so Elongath can see how much I'll grow!”

Fayn nodded with a pleased smile only he could see. It didn't seem to last long enough for his ears picked up on a all too familiar silence in the large group of ponies celebrating the new marriage. Fayn thought perhaps a speech was about to commence but what was happening at the DJ's booth was much more horrifying.

Dun. Dunna Dun.

“Oh lord. . . ,” Fayn spoke out as he recognized the the two human figures that easily begun to air guitar with the music with great enthusiasm. The American flags on both female and male easily situated them as Machine gun team two, Turner and O’Brien respectively.

A white Unicorn grabbed hold of the mic as the intro of the song started to wind up. “Now for some rocking tunes straight from Earth! I bring you AC/DC! Back. In. Black!”

“Turner! O'Brien!”